Railway Systems Procurement for the HS2 Project – Operational Telecommunication and Security Systems

The operational telecommunications and security system (Op Comms) package of work comprises the following:

Data Transmission Network (DTN)

Provide a fibre-optic bearer and internet protocol (IP) for high-speed, high-bandwidth, high-availability and low-latency data transmission circuits, designed to meet BS EN 50159:2010 Category 2 (open network) standards and manage the provision of operational systems.

Operational telephony system

A fixed-line voice communication network to support the operation of HS2, including a private branch exchange (PBX), voice recorder and call logger systems.

Tunnel radio system

Provide radio systems to end users within the HS2 tunnels:

GSM-R and Fireground; and

Emergency services network (ESN) and mobile network operator (MNO) services (subject to a separate procurement exercise).

Telecommunication towers

Design, construction and installation of the radio towers to support radio network coverage across the HS2 open route for the following radio technologies: GSM-R, MNO and ESN.

Relocatable equipment buildings (REB)

Provide for DTN, GSM-R, line of route security and third-party telecommunications systems. This will include building, fire and access control systems, which will be integrated into the HS2 engineering management system.

Route wide security

Delivery of electronic security measures along the HS2 line of route: perimeter protection, video surveillance, access control, intruder detection;

Selecting and leading integration of the security applications; and

Providing access control locks, intrusion prevention systems and structures such as camera masts.

GSM-R radio access network

A GSM-R radio communication system that will support both voice and data communications along the HS2 route, including points of transition with Network Rail infrastructure and at HS2 depots.

Network Rail, under contract with HS2 Ltd, will undertake all works necessary within the GB GSM-R core (network switching sub-system and base station controller) to extend and upgrade the national GSM-R system, including general packet radio services (GPRS).

Interface management responsibilities

Lead in the technical integration of shared telecommunication systems. During construction, testing and commissioning, the Op Comms Contractor will act as HS2’s technical authority for any radio frequency transmission equipment installed on HS2 infrastructure.

System integration facility (SIF)

Responsible for the DTN and GSM-R systems that are required in the SIF and a specific control, command and signalling (CCS) Integration laboratory.

Both the SIF and the CCS Integration Laboratory will be in HS2 Ltd buildings provided and fitted-out by others.

Cabling and cable protection

Design, supply and install:

Fibre optic cable, tunnel radiating cable, coaxial feeder cable, structure data cable and other cables as required, all power cabling from equipment to a local distribution board, all secondary cable containment and cable management from trackside equipment to the primary cable containment provided by others, cabling protection and suitable fire rating and labelling.

Civil engineering works

Design and provide all minor civil engineering works required for the telecommunications and security trackside equipment, concrete bases, masts, mast bases, ducting, equipment fixings, equipment housings and lineside buildings such as REBs where appropriate.

Maintenance and technical support services

Undertake maintenance of all equipment provided within this package between the date of installation and take-over of the works by the employer and, as required, undertake temporary operation, including making systems and facilities available to support the installation and testing of other railway systems and HS2 rolling stock.

Provide ongoing technical support and spares supply to the maintainer, under a separate technical support services contract for a minimum period of 8 years. Additional information: None